How many of us have set ourselves health targets that are so big they are almost impossible to achieve? To help you break this habit, we’ve come up with 10 quick and simple ways to boost your health.
1. Dance
A simple way to boost your health is to have a dance to your favourite songs. Dancing is a great way to improve your fitness, tone your body and burn calories. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel great after a cutting some shapes?
2. Get your fix of omega-3s
Omega 3 fatty acids have many benefits, they reduce inflammation, boost your immune system and decrease your risk of developing heart disease and some forms of cancer. Try to include two portions of oily fish in your weekly diet to reap these health benefits.
3. Drink water
Water makes up 50-60 per cent of the human body, so it’s little wonder that drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to instantly boost your health. Try to drink eight glasses of water a day to improve your skin, keep your kidneys healthy and prevent urinary infections.
4. Take a break
If you’re feeling stressed and anxious, take a quick five minute break to boost your health. Spend a few minutes focusing on deep breathing and relaxation techniques such as visualisation. These methods have been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce your chance of developing heart disease.
5. Make laughter a priority
Laughter brings many health benefits; it reduces stress levels, releases endorphins to make you feel happier and if you are really belly laughing, it will even work your abs. Watch a funny movie or arrange to go out for drinks with friends to get your fix of laughter or even go in for some laughter therapy .
6. Clean your car
Your car dashboard might not be the first place you think about germs harbouring, but the cold environment of your vehicle and the poor air circulation in it mean it’s the perfect place for germs to fester. Stop your car becoming a paradise for bacteria and clean it frequently - your health will thank you for it.
7. Jump a cold shower
Many of us dread having to take a cold shower (and would only take one as a last resort if the boiler packed in) but it turns out that they can actually help us to relax. Cold water makes the brain release feel-good hormones that help to beat stress. It also improves alertness, as the initial shock of the water temperature causes a rush of blood through the body to give you a natural dose of energy.
8. Pay attention to your posture
So many of us spend the majority of our days slumped over our desks at work and poor posture can lead to multiple health issues including back and shoulder pains, a curved spine and reduced lung function. But it’s not too late to correct the effects caused by slouching - make a conscious effort to sit correctly at your desk from now on.
9. Drink a fresh smoothie
A quick and easy way to make a big difference to your health is to prepare and drink a fresh smoothie a day. There are endless combinations to try and smoothies are a great way to get a substantial amount of fruit, vegetables and even superfoods into your daily diet.
10. Drink cocoa
Not everything that tastes nice has to be avoided for the good of our health! In a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry , it was suggested that a mug of cocoa can improve your brain health, heart health and is an immune system booster - plenty of good reasons to enjoy the hot treat.
